Method and apparatus for gaming with alternate value payouts

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for permitting a player to play a game at a gaming device. The gaming device provides a payout for the game. The payout is redeemable for one of a plurality of values, and at least two of the plurality of values are different from each other. The values typically have different corresponding forms of payout, such as cash or merchandise credits.

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisionalpatent application ser. no. 60/293,400, filed May 24, 2001, the contentsof which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to game playing apparatus and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Game playing may be based on skill and/or based on chance. In games ofchance, a player places a wager on one or more games and may receive apayout based on the outcome of the game and/or the wager. Games ofchance may occur through various devices or may be conducted without adevice. Examples of devices for games of chance include withoutlimitation video poker, video black jack, mechanical slot machines andvideo slot machines.

Typically, payout from games of chance is in the form of bills, coins,tokens or vouchers printed on paper tickets. Such vouchers (also knownas “cashless gaming tickets”) include indicia such as a bar code, andthe bar code indicates, among other things, the value of the payout(e.g., $10). The voucher may be inserted into a gaming device and thegaming device reads the bar code. Thus the voucher may be used to placeone or more wagers. Such vouchers may also be redeemed for cash byexchanging the voucher at, e.g., a cashier's window.

Payout from skill-based games may also be made in a variety of formsknown in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a server of one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gaming device of one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a merchant terminal of one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a cashier station of one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a tabular representation of an embodiment of a payoutdatabase.

FIG. 7 is a tabular representation of an embodiment of a playerdatabase.

FIG. 8 is a tabular representation of an embodiment of an offerdatabase.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart representing an embodiment of a process that maybe performed by a player.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart representing an embodiment of a process that maybe performed by a gaming device.

FIG. 11 is a ticket according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is another ticket according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart representing an embodiment of a process that maybe performed by a gaming device.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart representing an embodiment of a processaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart representing an embodiment of a process that maybe performed by a merchant terminal.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart representing an embodiment of a process that maybe performed by a server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Applicants have recognized that many different types of players wouldfind it appealing to choose a form of payout for a game.

Applicants have also recognized that many different types of playerswould find it appealing to have a payout with an increased value.

Applicants have also recognized that many different types parties wouldbenefit in various ways from participating in the payout to a player.

System

Referring now to FIG. 1, an apparatus 100 according to embodiments ofthe present invention includes a server 102 server 102 that is incommunication with a cashier station 106, gaming devices 108, 110 and112, and merchant terminals 116, 118 and 120. Each of the gamingdevices, cashier station and merchant terminals may comprise computers,such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® processor, that are adaptedto communicate with the server 102; portable types of computers, such asa laptop computer; a palm-top computer; a hand-held computer; or aPersonal Digital Assistant (PDA). Other equivalent devices capable ofperforming the methods specified herein are well known in the art.

Any number of gaming devices, cashier station and merchant terminals maybe in communication with the server 102. The number of each depicted inFIG. 1 is solely for purposes of illustration

The server 102 may communicate with the gaming devices, the cashierstation and the merchant terminals directly or via a network, includingwithout limitation the Internet, wireless network protocol, local areanetwork or a combination thereof, through a Web site maintained byserver 102 on a remote server or over an on-line data network includingcommercial on-line service providers, and bulletin board systems. Theserver may communicate with the gaming devices, the cashier station andthe merchant terminals directly or indirectly. In yet other embodiments,the devices may communicate with server 102 over RF, cable TV, satellitelinks and the like.

Those skilled in the art will understand that devices in communicationwith each other need not be continually transmitting to each other. Onthe contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other asnecessary, and may actually refrain from exchanging data most of thetime. For example, a device in communication with another device via theInternet may not transmit data to the other device for weeks at a time.

The server 102 may function as a “Web server” that generates Web pages(documents on the Web that typically include an HTML file and associatedgraphics and script files) that may be accessed via the Web and allowscommunication with the server 102 in a manner known in the art.

FIG. 1 depicts only an embodiment of the invention. Other arrangementsof devices to perform various methods specified herein will be readilyappreciated by those of skill in the art.

Devices

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment 200 of the server 102. The server 102may be implemented as a system controller, a dedicated hardware circuit,an appropriately programmed general-purpose computer, or any otherappropriate device including without limitation electronic, mechanicalor electro-mechanical devices.

The server of the illustrated embodiment comprises a processor 201, suchas one or more Intel® Pentium® microprocessors. The processor 201 is incommunication with a data storage device 204. The data storage device204 comprises magnetic memory, optical memory, semiconductor memory orany combination thereof. The data storage device 204 may include, forexample, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compactdisc and/or a hard disk. The processor 201 and the storage device 204may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within a single computeror computing device; or (ii) connected to each other by a remotecommunication medium, including without limitation a serial port cable,a telephone line, a network connection or a radio frequency transceiver.In some embodiments, the server 102 may comprise one or more computersthat are connected to a remote server computer for maintainingdatabases.

The data storage device 204 stores a program 206 for controlling theprocessor 201. The processor 201 performs instructions of the program206, and thereby operates in accordance with the present invention, andparticularly in accordance with the methods described in detail herein.The program 206 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/orencrypted format, as well as in a variety of other forms known in theart. The program 206 furthermore includes program elements that may benecessary, including without limitation an operating system, a databasemanagement system and “device drivers” for allowing the processor 201 tointerface with peripheral devices. Appropriate program elements are wellknown to those skilled in the art, and need not be described in detailherein.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instructions ofthe program 206 may be read into a main memory from anothercomputer-readable medium, such as into RAM from hard drive or ROM.Execution of sequences of the instructions in program 206 causesprocessor 201 to perform process steps described herein. In alternativeembodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or incombination with, software instructions for implementation of theprocesses of the present invention, as would be understood by those ofskill in the art. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are notlimited to hardware, software or any specific combination of hardwareand software.

The storage device 204 also stores (i) a payout database 208, (ii) aplayer database 210, and (iii) an offer database 212. The databases aredescribed in detail below and depicted with exemplary entries in theaccompanying figures. As will be understood by those skilled in the art,the schematic illustrations and accompanying descriptions of thedatabases presented herein are exemplary arrangements for storedrepresentations of information. A number of other arrangements may beemployed besides those suggested by the tables shown. Similarly, theillustrated entries of the databases represent exemplary informationonly; those skilled in the art will understand that the number andcontent of the entries can be different from those illustrated herein.Based on the present disclosure many other arrangements of data will bereadily understood by those of skill in the art.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment 300 of a gaming device. Well-knownexamples of gaming devices include video poker, video black jack,mechanical slot machines and video slot machines. The gaming device maybe implemented as a dedicated hardware circuit, an appropriatelyprogrammed general-purpose computer, or any other appropriate deviceincluding without limitation electronic, mechanical orelectro-mechanical devices. Accordingly, the gaming device need notinclude the various components depicted in FIG. 3.

The gaming device of the illustrated embodiment comprises a processor301, such as one or more Intel® Pentium® microprocessors. The processor301 is in communication with a data storage device 302. The data storagedevice 302 comprises magnetic memory, optical memory, semiconductormemory or any combination thereof. The data storage device 302 mayinclude, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory(ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The processor 301 and thestorage device 302 may each be, for example: (i) located entirely withina single computer or computing device; or (ii) connected to each otherby a remote communication medium, including without limitation a serialport cable, a telephone line, a network connection or a radio frequencytransceiver. In some embodiments, the gaming device may comprise one ormore computers that are connected to a remote server computer formaintaining databases.

The data storage device 302 stores a program 303 for controlling theprocessor 301. The processor 301 performs instructions of the program303, and thereby operates in accordance with the present invention, andparticularly in accordance with the methods described in detail herein.The program 303 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/orencrypted format, as well as in a variety of other forms known in theart. The program 303 furthermore includes program elements that may benecessary, including without limitation an operating system, a databasemanagement system and “device drivers” for allowing the processor 301 tointerface with peripheral devices. Appropriate program elements are wellknown to those skilled in the art, and need not be described in detailherein.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instructions ofthe program 303 may be read into a main memory from anothercomputer-readable medium, such as into RAM from hard drive or ROM.Execution of sequences of the instructions in program 303 causesprocessor 301 to perform process steps described herein. In alternativeembodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or incombination with, software instructions for implementation of theprocesses of the present invention, as would be understood by those ofskill in the art. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are notlimited to hardware, software or any specific combination of hardwareand software.

The processor 301 may also be in communication with a cash dispenser304, which dispenses coins and/or bills to players that have requestedto have funds be dispensed.

The processor 301 may also be in communication with a player trackingcard device 306, which performs functions related to player trackingcards, such as reading player tracking cards and communicatinginformation read from such cards to the processor 301. Typically,information read from such cards includes unique player identifiers,such as a sequence of digits or a sequence of alphanumeric characters.

The processor 301 may also be in communication with a player inputdevice 308, which receives input from the player. Input device 308 maycomprise a variety of devices, including without limitation one or morebuttons, one or more touch screens, one or more handles or anycombination of the above.

The processor 301 may also be in communication with a ticket printer310, which may be commanded to print onto a substrate, such as paper orother material. Printing may be via ink jet, laser printing or othermethodology for registering indicia on a substrate. Alternatively, theticket may be registered with indicia by deforming the substrate in avariety of ways known in the art, including without limitation punchingholes in the substrate and raising or lowering portions of the substraterelative to other portions.

The processor 301 may also be in communication with a ticket reader 312,which is capable of reading tickets and particularly indicia registeredon tickets. The ticket reader 312 may use optical sensing of printedindicia, for example, and optical character recognition to read indiciafrom a ticket inserted in the ticket reader 312.

The processor 301 may also be in communication with a credit card reader314. Such devices are known in the art, and generally allow a card suchas a credit card or debit card to be inserted therewithin. The card mayinclude a magnetic stripe or other form of data storage, which thecredit card reader 314 is capable of sensing and interpreting.Typically, the credit card reader allows a credit card transaction to beprocessed by communication with a credit card clearinghouse in a mannerknown in the art.

The processor 301 may also be in communication with a display screen316, which displays images in a manner known in the art. Typical displayscreens include, liquid crystal displays, plasma displays and videodisplay monitors.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment 400 of a merchant terminal. Themerchant terminal may be implemented as a dedicated hardware circuit, anappropriately programmed general-purpose computer, or any otherappropriate device including without limitation electronic, mechanicalor electro-mechanical devices.

The merchant terminal of the illustrated embodiment comprises aprocessor 401, such as one or more Intel® Pentium® microprocessors. Theprocessor 401 is in communication with a data storage device 402. Thedata storage device 402 comprises magnetic memory, optical memory,semiconductor memory or any combination thereof. The data storage device402 may include, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-OnlyMemory (ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The processor 401 andthe storage device 402 may each be, for example: (i) located entirelywithin a single computer or computing device; or (ii) connected to eachother by a remote communication medium, including without limitation aserial port cable, a telephone line, a network connection or a radiofrequency transceiver. In some embodiments, the merchant terminal maycomprise one or more computers that are connected to a remote servercomputer for maintaining databases.

The data storage device 402 stores a program 403 for controlling theprocessor 401. The processor 401 performs instructions of the program403, and thereby operates in accordance with the present invention, andparticularly in accordance with the methods described in detail herein.The program 403 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/orencrypted format, as well as in a variety of other forms known in theart. The program 403 furthermore includes program elements that may benecessary, including without limitation an operating system, a databasemanagement system and “device drivers” for allowing the processor 401 tointerface with peripheral devices. Appropriate program elements are wellknown to those skilled in the art, and need not be described in detailherein.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instructions ofthe program 403 may be read into a main memory from anothercomputer-readable medium, such as into RAM from hard drive or ROM.Execution of sequences of the instructions in program 403 causesprocessor 401 to perform process steps described herein. In alternativeembodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or incombination with, software instructions for implementation of theprocesses of the present invention, as would be understood by those ofskill in the art. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are notlimited to hardware, software or any specific combination of hardwareand software.

The processor 401 may also be in communication with a cash dispenser404, which dispenses coins and/or bills to people that have requested tohave funds be dispensed. The cash dispenser 404 may alternatively be acash drawer that may be automatically opened upon command from theprocessor 401.

The processor 401 may also be in communication with a player trackingcard device 405, which performs functions related to player trackingcards, such as reading player tracking cards and communicatinginformation read from such cards to the processor 401.

The processor 401 may also be in communication with a player inputdevice 406, which receives input from a cashier, customer or an operatorof the merchant terminal. Input device 406 may comprise a variety ofdevices, including without limitation one or more buttons, one or moretouch screens, or any combination of the above.

The processor 401 may also be in communication with a printer 408, whichmay be commanded to print onto a substrate, such as paper or othermaterial. Printing may be via ink jet, laser printing or othermethodology for registering indicia on a substrate. Alternatively, theticket may be registered with indicia by deforming the substrate in avariety of ways known in the art, including without limitation punchingholes in the substrate and raising or lowering portions of the substraterelative to other portions. The printer 408 may be used for printing,e.g., receipts.

The processor 401 may also be in communication with a credit card reader410. Such devices are known in the art, and generally allow a card suchas a credit card or debit card to be inserted therewithin.

The processor 401 may also be in communication with a display screen414, which displays images in a manner known in the art.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment 500 of a cashier station. The cashierstation may be implemented as a dedicated hardware circuit, anappropriately programmed general-purpose computer, or any otherappropriate device including without limitation electronic, mechanicalor electro-mechanical devices.

The cashier station of the illustrated embodiment comprises a processor501, such as one or more Intel® Pentium® microprocessors. The processor501 is in communication with a data storage device 502. The data storagedevice 502 comprises magnetic memory, optical memory, semiconductormemory or any combination thereof. The data storage device 502 mayinclude, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory(ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The processor 501 and thestorage device 502 may each be, for example: (i) located entirely withina single computer or computing device; or (ii) connected to each otherby a remote communication medium, including without limitation a serialport cable, a telephone line, a network connection or a radio frequencytransceiver. In some embodiments, the cashier station may comprise oneor more computers that are connected to a remote server computer formaintaining databases.

The data storage device 502 stores a program 503 for controlling theprocessor 501. The processor 501 performs instructions of the program503, and thereby operates in accordance with the present invention, andparticularly in accordance with the methods described in detail herein.The program 503 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/orencrypted format, as well as in a variety of other forms known in theart. The program 503 furthermore includes program elements that may benecessary, including without limitation an operating system, a databasemanagement system and “device drivers” for allowing the processor 501 tointerface with peripheral devices. Appropriate program elements are wellknown to those skilled in the art, and need not be described in detailherein.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instructions ofthe program 503 may be read into a main memory from anothercomputer-readable medium, such as into RAM from hard drive or ROM.Execution of sequences of the instructions in program 503 causesprocessor 501 to perform process steps described herein. In alternativeembodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or incombination with, software instructions for implementation of theprocesses of the present invention, as would be understood by those ofskill in the art. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are notlimited to hardware, software or any specific combination of hardwareand software.

The processor 501 may also be in communication with a cash dispenser504, which dispenses coins and/or bills to people that have requested tohave funds be dispensed. The cash dispenser 504 may alternatively be acash drawer that may be automatically opened upon command from theprocessor 501.

The processor 501 may also be in communication with a player trackingcard device 505, which performs functions related to player trackingcards, such as reading player tracking cards and communicatinginformation read from such cards to the processor 501.

The processor 501 may also be in communication with a player inputdevice 506, which receives input from a cashier, customer or an operatorof the cashier station. Input device 506 may comprise a variety ofdevices, including without limitation one or more buttons, one or moretouch screens, or any combination of the above.

The processor 501 may also be in communication with a printer 508, whichmay be commanded to print onto a substrate, such as paper or othermaterial. Printing may be via ink jet, laser printing or othermethodology for registering indicia on a substrate. Alternatively, theticket may be registered with indicia by deforming the substrate in avariety of ways known in the art, including without limitation punchingholes in the substrate and raising or lowering portions of the substraterelative to other portions. The printer 508 may be used for printing,e.g., receipts.

The processor 501 may also be in communication with a credit card reader510. Such devices are known in the art, and generally allow a card suchas a credit card or debit card to be inserted therewithin.

The processor 501 may also be in communication with a display screen514, which displays images in a manner known in the art.

Databases

Payout Database

FIG. 6 is a tabular representation 600 of the payout database 208 ofFIG. 2. The tabular representation 600 of the payout database 208includes a number of example records or entries each defining a payout.Those skilled in the art will understand that the payout database 208may include any number of entries. The tabular representation 600 alsodefines fields for each of the entries or records. The fields specify:(i) a payout identifier 602 that uniquely identifies the payout; (ii) acash value 604 that indicates the value if the payout is redeemed forcash; (iii) an offer identifier 606 that indicates an offer that wasaccepted as part of the payout; (iv) a PIN code r other code that isused for authentication or security purposes; and (v) a player trackingnumber that uniquely identifies the player that owns or is otherwiseassociated with the payout.

Not all of the fields depicted in FIG. 6 are required, and varioussubstitutions, deletions and other changes to the tabular representationwill be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Forexample, in another embodiment the cash value field 604 and the offeridentifier field 606 may be replaced with an indication of a pluralityof values and corresponding forms of payout. As another example, the PINcode is not needed in many embodiments. As another example, the playertracking number is not needed in many embodiments.

Player Database

FIG. 7 is a tabular representation 700 of the player database 210 ofFIG. 2. The tabular representation 700 of the player database 210includes a number of example records or entries each defining a player.Those skilled in the art will understand that the player database 210may include any number of entries. The tabular representation 700 alsodefines fields for each of the entries or records. The fields specify:(i) a player identifier 702 that uniquely identifies the player; (ii) aplayer name 704; (iii) a financial account identifier 706 of the player,which may represent, for example, a credit card account, a debit cardaccount and other financial accounts; (iv) a demographic 708 of theplayer, which may indicate, for example, the gender, age, residence,income and occupation of the player; (v) machine identifier 710 whichindicates which gaming device(s) the player plays or has played; (vi)rate of play 712 that the player has averaged over all plays, or over aportion of his plays; (vii) the total duration 714 which the player hasplayed; (viii) the projected theoretical win 716 of the player, basedon, for example, what the player is playing or likely to play in thefuture; (ix) the historical theoretical win 718 of the player, based on,for example, the number and types of games the player has played; and(x) the casino's actual win-loss ratio for the player.

Not all of the fields depicted in FIG. 7 are required, and varioussubstitutions, deletions and other changes to the tabular representationwill be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Offer Database

FIG. 8 is a tabular representation 800 of the offer database 212 of FIG.2. The tabular representation 800 of the offer database 212 includes anumber of example records or entries each defining an offer which may bepresented to one or more players. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the offer database 212 may include any number ofentries. The tabular representation 800 also defines fields for each ofthe entries or records. The fields specify: (i) an offer identifier 802that uniquely identifies the offer; (ii) a value 804 if the form ofpayout is cash; (iii) a value 806 if the form of payout is a merchandisecredit at a casino store; (iv) a value 808 if the form of payout is amerchandise credit at a casino spa; (v) a value 810 if the form ofpayout is a merchandise credit at a casino restaurant; (vi) a value 812if the form of payout is a merchandise credit at a store AMAZON.COM™;(vii) a value 814 if the form of payout is a merchandise credit at asoftware store; and (viii) a value 816 if the form of payout is amerchandise credit at a store WALMART™.

Not all of the fields depicted in FIG. 8 are required, and varioussubstitutions, deletions and other changes to the tabular representationwill be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thedepicted fields, for example the various forms of payout, are forillustration only. Various other forms of payout are described hereinand still others will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

The representation of the values for various forms of payout aredepicted in FIG. 8 in terms of a variable ‘X’, which represents thevalue if the form of payout is cash. In other words, in the depictedexample, the ratio of values for any two forms of payout is a constantfor any particular value of any form of payout. Equivalently, in thedepicted example, the value in one form of payout is a linear functionof the value in another form of payout. It will be readily apparent thatthere are no restrictions on the other functions that may be employed bythe invention, and thus no restrictions on the particular values forvarious forms of payout.

Many other representations are possible. For example, the offer database212 may include for each entry one or more dollar amounts (or creditamounts, etc.), each for a forms of payout. The particular forms ofpayout associated with a first offer may be different from theparticular forms of payout associated with a second offer.

Processes

Referring to FIG. 9, a flow chart 900 represents an embodiment of thepresent invention that may be performed by player of a gaming device,including without limitation a slot machine. The particular arrangementof elements in the flow chart of FIG. 9, as well as the other flowcharts discussed herein, is not meant to imply a fixed order to thesteps; the steps can be practiced in any order that is practicable invarious embodiments of the present invention.

The player sits down at a slot machine (step 910) and deposits currencyor other monetary value into the slot machine (step 920). The playerthen plays the slot machine and generates a credit balance (step 930) ina manner known in the art. When he desires, the player elects to receivea ticket that represents all or a portion of the balance (step 940).Typically, the player does so by pressing a “cashout” button on thegaming device. The gaming device, independently or in cooperation withthe server, may determine a plurality of values and corresponding formsof payout, and output this information on a ticket (step 950). Each ofthe values is usually, but not necessarily, based on the balance. Theplayer then receives the ticket (step 960).

Referring to FIG. 10, a flow chart 1000 represents an embodiment of thepresent invention that may be performed by a gaming device, includingwithout limitation a slot machine. The particular arrangement ofelements in the flow chart of FIG. 10, as well as the other flow chartsdiscussed herein, is not meant to imply a fixed order to the steps; thesteps can be practiced in any order that is practicable in variousembodiments of the present invention.

The gaming device permits a player to play a game at the gaming device,in a manner well known in the art (step 1010). Using an example of aplayer playing at a slot machine, the player typically inserts amonetary amount (e.g., coins, bills, tokens, chips, credit card,cashless gaming ticket), indicates a wager amount (e.g., by pressingbuttons), and initiates play (e.g., by pulling a handle or pressing abutton).

The gaming device prints a ticket that may have various indicia thereon(step 1012). The ticket may be printed in response to a player requestto receive some or all of his balance of funds. (e.g., when the playerpresses a “cashout” button on the gaming device).

In various embodiments the ticket may be printed before the playerrequests to receive some or all of his balance of funds. In variousembodiments, the ticket need not be printed by the gaming device at all.The ticket may instead be printed by another device, which may or maynot be in communication with the gaming device.

The gaming device provides the player with the ticket as a payout forthe game (step 1014). The gaming device typically ejects or feeds theticket through a slot or other opening in a manner known in the art,making the ticket available to the player.

FIG. 11 depicts an illustration of a ticket 1 100. The depicted ticket1100 is merely one example provided in accordance with one embodiment ofthe invention, and various other types and forms of ticket are withinthe scope of the invention.

The ticket 1100 includes indicia 1 102, 1104 and 1106 that indicate aplurality of values, each with a corresponding form of payout. Anynumber of such indicia may be included on the ticket. The indicia 1102indicates a first value ($13) in the form of cash, and the indicia 1104indicates a second value ($20) in the form of a coupon for a merchantAMAZON.COM™. The indicia 1106 indicates a third value ($18) for use in asubsequent play of the game (or, e.g., another game at the same casino).

The ticket 1100 also includes indicia 1110 in the form of a bar code.The generation, printing and form of bar codes are well known in theart. The bar code can uniquely represent any information desired, suchas the plurality of values and corresponding forms of payout denoted bythe ticket. The bar code could additionally or alternatively representother information, such as a unique player identifier, the time of thepayout, and/or an identifier that uniquely identifies the gaming device.Information represented by a bar code need not be visible on the ticketor otherwise discernible to the player or anyone viewing the ticket.

FIG. 12 depicts an illustration of another ticket 1200. The depictedticket 1200 is merely one example provided in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention, and various other types and forms of ticketare within the scope of the invention.

The ticket 1200 includes indicia 1210 and 1220 that indicate a pluralityof values, each with a corresponding a form of payout. Any number ofsuch indicia may be included on the ticket. The indicia 1210 indicates afirst value ($25) in the form of cash, and the indicia 1120 indicates asecond value ($35) in the form of a credit on a hotel bill. This form ofpayment includes a restriction that the value can only be acquired at acertain time (i.e. when the player checks out of the hotel). Asdescribed herein, many types of restrictions may be applied, and manyothers will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The indicia 1225 indicates the name of the player. Players may beidentified by the gaming device, typically by the player's use of aplayer tracking card. This information permits the ticket and theassociated payout to be customized to the player, as described herein.

The ticket 1200 also includes indicia 1230 in the form of a bar code.Which may represent, e.g., the plurality of values and correspondingforms of payout denoted by the ticket.

Referring to FIG. 13, a flow chart 1300 represents an embodiment of thepresent invention that may be performed by a gaming device, includingwithout limitation a slot machine. The particular arrangement ofelements in the flow chart of FIG. 13, as well as the other flow chartsdiscussed herein, is not meant to imply a fixed order to the steps; thesteps can be practiced in any order that is practicable in variousembodiments of the present invention.

The gaming device receives a player tracking card from a player (step1310) and reads information from the player tracking card in a mannerknown in the art. Typically, the player tracking card stores a uniqueplayer identifier, which is in turn used to access information (e.g.,from a record of a database indexed by the player identifier) from theserver. The information may be, for example, an entry of the playerdatabase.

After one or more plays of the gaming device, the gaming device receivesa request to cash out from the player (step 1320). The gaming devicerecords the amount of the player's winnings (e.g., the balance of thegaming device) and associates that amount with the player's accountidentifier (step 1330). For example, the appropriate entry of the playerdatabase may include a field that stores a financial account identifier,indicating a bank account, a credit card account or account with thecasino. The financial account may be updated (e.g., an amount of fundstransferred to the account in accordance with the player winnings. Theappropriate entry of the player database may alternatively oradditionally include a field that stores the balance, or updates anamount of aggregate balances the player has won.

Alternatively, the gaming device can record the amount of the player'swinnings and associate that amount with a newly created accountidentifier. Then the account identifier would be associated with theplayer (step 1340), typically by storing the account identifier in theappropriate entry of the player database, or by otherwise associatingthe account identifier with the player identifier of the player trackingcard.

The gaming device requests a PIN (personal identification number) codefrom the player (step 1350), typically by displaying appropriateinstructions as a textual message and/or an image. The gaming devicereceives the PIN code (step 1360) entered by the player on, e.g., atouch screen. The gaming device communicates with the server toassociate the PIN code with the player (step 1370), typically by storingthe PIN code in the appropriate entry of the player database. The PINcode may also constitute the player identifier, and thus may be used toidentify the player even if the player does not have or does not use aplayer tracking card. The server or gaming device then determinespayment options (such as values and corresponding forms of payout), andassociates those with the player (step 1380), typically by storing dataindicating the values and corresponding forms of payout in theappropriate entry of the player database. If the server is responsiblefor storing the player database and updating the entries as described,the server then transmits the appropriate information to the gamingdevice (step 1390), which may use some or all of the information forprinting on a ticket.

Referring to FIG. 14, a flow chart 1400 represents an embodiment of thepresent invention that may be performed by a gaming device, includingwithout limitation a slot machine. The particular arrangement ofelements in the flow chart of FIG. 14, as well as the other flow chartsdiscussed herein, is not meant to imply a fixed order to the steps; thesteps can be practiced in any order that is practicable in variousembodiments of the present invention.

The gaming device transmits a balance of the player to the server (step1410). In one embodiment, upon cash out the server determines aplurality of values and corresponding forms of payout to provide to theplayer (step 1420). The gaming device may instead perform all of thedescribed functions of the server. The slot server translates thebalance into a plurality of values, each corresponding to a form ofpayout. In one embodiment each value is based on the balance. However,in other embodiments, not all values are based on the balance.

The gaming device prints or otherwise creates a ticket that representsthe plurality of values (step 1430). The ticket may be subsequentlyredeemed by the player for one or more of the plurality of values (step1440), according to the corresponding forms of payout and anyrestrictions that may apply to the forms of payment.

Referring to FIG. 15, a flow chart 1500 represents an embodiment of thepresent invention that may be performed by a merchant terminal. Theparticular arrangement of elements in the flow chart of FIG. 15, as wellas the other flow charts discussed herein, is not meant to imply a fixedorder to the steps; the steps can be practiced in any order that ispracticable in various embodiments of the present invention.

The merchant terminal receives from the server an indication that aplayer will purchase a product of the merchant (steps 1510 and 1520).The indication will may be, for example, data representing a bar codeand associated value of a merchandise credit with the merchant (e.g.,$20 off the purchase price). The player arrives at the merchant andpresents a ticket (step 1530). The ticket may include a bar code, whichcan be easily read by the merchant terminal with a bar code reader in amanner well known in the art. The bar code and/or the data the bar coderepresents can be stored into a database of the merchant terminal (step1540) to indicate, e.g., that the player has redeemed the merchandisecredit with a purchase.

The merchant terminal deducts the value of the merchandise credit fromthe price to be paid. The merchant terminal may alternatively reduce thestored value of the player's account (step 1550) by the amount of thepurchase, in an embodiment where the player has an account with abalance that may be used for purchases from the merchant. The player hasaccordingly received the product from the merchant at a discount (step1560).

Referring to FIG. 16, a flow chart 1600 represents an embodiment of thepresent invention that may be performed by the server. The particulararrangement of elements in the flow chart of FIG. 16, as well as theother flow charts discussed herein, is not meant to imply a fixed orderto the steps; the steps can be practiced in any order that ispracticable in various embodiments of the present invention.

A gaming device, including without limitation a slot machine, transmitsto the server the player's balance with the gaming device (step 1610).The server determines a plurality of values and corresponding forms ofpayout to provide to the player or offer to the player (step 1620). Thevalues may each be based on the balance, but in various embodiments notall of the values are based on the balance. For example, one value andcorresponding form of payout may always be a $10 reduction in theplayer's hotel bill or a $15 credit with a hotel restaurant.

The server provides the player (e.g., via the gaming device) with offersfrom one or more merchants (step 1630). Each offer corresponds to avalue and corresponding form of payout described above. The details ofthe offers (e.g., values, restrictions on redemption) may be receivedfrom the merchants periodically (e.g., every week) or may be received inreal time (e.g., when the player requests to cash out).

The player selects one or more of the merchant offers (step 1640),typically by pressing portions of a touch screen overlaid on a monitorthat displays buttons on those portions. The gaming device transmits theplayer selection(s) to the server (step 1650), and the server stores theselected value(s) and form(s) of payout in the entry of the playerdatabase that corresponds to the player.

In some embodiments, the payout the player receives may be redeemed forone of a plurality of values, and thus one corresponding form of payout.Typically, one of the forms of payout is cash, which is typicallyredeemed at a cashier's window in a casino. Other forms of payoutinclude a coupon for a merchant, a merchandise credit such as a creditwith a casino shop or a third party, a credit card (which may have acertain credit balance pre-established), a one-time use credit card, aprepaid phone card redeemable for phone time, a credit to play the game(or a different game, or any game in the casino) again, frequent flyermiles, a credit to a bill, a particular product purchase from amerchant, a credit on a hotel bill and a right to purchase a product ata certain price.

Typically, at least two of the plurality of values are different fromeach other. For example, no two values of a plurality of values may bealike. However in other embodiments two or more values may be equal.

Similarly, in some embodiments at least two of the forms of payout aredifferent from each other. In addition, two forms of payout may be thesame but may have different restrictions on redemption or usage. Forexample, one may be a $20 reduction in the player's hotel bill ifredeemed at checkout, while the other is a $10 reduction in the player'shotel bill if redeemed any other time.

Selection of the values and/or forms of payment may be made in a varietyof manners. In one embodiment the server determines the values and formsof payout. Such determination may be based on various criteria, such asplayer characteristics, preferences of merchants, and revenue managementrequirements of the casino and merchants.

In another embodiment the determination may be made by a human. Forexample, the player may select (e.g., via touch screen at the gamingdevice) what merchants where he is interested in redeeming the payout.Similarly, a casino may use a waitress or designated payment offer hostto present payout offers to a player. For example, a player may beplaying at a blackjack table and indicate to the blackjack dealer thathe is planning on ending his play in 10 minutes. The black jack dealermay then send an indication to a central computer or Offer Host that aplayer may be interested in receiving payout offers. At that point, awaitress or payment offer host may come to the blackjack table andpresent the player with multiple payment offers. It may be noted thatincreased value can come from the physical and emotional connection thatthe waitress or offer host can make with the player. For example, thewaitress or offer host may ask the player what kinds of payment offershe would like to receive. In another example, the waitress or offer hostmay present the player with pre-determined payment offers. The waitressor offer host may enter the selected form of payment to the serverdirectly or indirectly.

Additional Embodiments

The following are several examples which illustrate additionalembodiments of the present invention. These examples do not constitute adefinition of all possible embodiments, and those skilled in the artwill understand that the present invention is applicable to many otherembodiments. Further, although the following examples are brieflydescribed for clarity, those skilled in the art will understand how tomake any changes, if necessary, to the above-described apparatus andmethods to accommodate these and other embodiments and applications.

The gaming device may perform some or all of the described functions ofthe server. Similarly, the server may perform some or all of thedescribed functions of the gaming device.

Payouts need not be made in the form of ticket. For example, the payoutcan comprise a data signal that represents the payout. Such a datasignal could be transmitted to a player's handheld device (e.g., PDA,cell phone) wirelessly (e.g., radio frequency, infrared) or in anothermanner (e.g., via physical connection between the player device and thegaming device). Such data could represent the information thatrepresent, e.g., a plurality of values and corresponding forms of payoutdenoted by the payout. The data could represent anything represented bythe bar code, as well as additional information. The data may beencrypted to prevent tampering by the player.

Similarly, the payout can comprise a data signal that represents thepayout. Such a data signal could be transmitted to the server, where anaccount could store the player's value(s) and forms of payment. Theplayer could redeem the values and the account would be adjusted inaccordance with any value redeemed.

In one embodiment, the player may be offered the ability to purchaseproducts (e.g., casino products, third party products) with a portion ofhis winnings. For example, a player may have a balance of $237 and mayround down his winnings to $200 in order to purchase a product for the$37 difference. In other words, the offer can be an offer to reduce avalue of the payout in exchange for purchasing a product, where thereduced payout is the payout rounded to a predetermined multiple.

In one embodiment, the player may be offered to increase his payout inexchange for the player agreeing to perform a specified action. Forexample, a player may have a winning balance of $85. A casino may roundthe player's $85 up to $100 if the player agrees to come back the nextday and play for a certain amount of time. In other words, the offer canbe an offer to increase the payout by rounding the payout up to apredetermined multiple.

In one embodiment, the form of payout can be that the player receives anincreased payout over time (e.g., 10% every day for 10 days).

Although the present invention has been described with respect to apreferred embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art will note thatvarious substitutions may be made to those embodiments described hereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A method for running a slot machine game with alternate-valuepayouts, comprising: permitting a player to play a game at a slotmachine; printing a ticket; and providing the player with the ticket asa payout for the game, in which the ticket includes indicia thatindicates a first value in the form of cash, a second value in the formof a coupon for a merchant, and a bar code, in which the first value isdifferent than the second value.
 2. A method for running a slot machinegame with alternate-value payouts, comprising: permitting a player toplay a game at a gaming device; and providing a payout for the game, thepayout including a printed ticket; in which the payout is redeemable foronly one of a plurality of values, in which each of the plurality ofvalues corresponds to a form of payout, in which a first form of paymentis cash; in which a second form of payment is a coupon for a merchant;in which at least two of the plurality of values are different from eachother.
 3. A method comprising: permitting a player to play a game at agaming device; and providing a payout for the game, in which the payoutis redeemable for one of a plurality of values, in which at least two ofthe plurality of values are different from each other. 4-29. (canceled)